Precious Gift

Sunday, November 11. 24th Sunday after Pentecost. Like Naomi, the widow in Mark 12:38-44 was without a protector. Yet she chose to give away a precious and costly gift. Today give away something of your own that you treasure.

I would give the portion of my heart that I have closed off for about a year now. I long to be healed of this struggle, yet know that it is I who still grip the pain, the hurt. God is calling me to give it ALL to Him. When I think I am on that road – I have a setback and all the emotions re-emerge. I know that Your umbrella of mercy is vast Father – help me to trust fully.

Jill,
God loves you.
God forgives your weaknesses and wants to heal them.
Please when you wander into your darkness again invite God to come with you. Stay in your darkness. Ask God to turn that darkness into light. Expect to see a glimmer of God’s light in some deep recess. Stay focusing on that light until you can stay no longer. When you go back again expect to see that light. Give praise to God for that light. Ask God to continue to grow that light. God will bless you even in what you perceive as you unbelief.
(It worked for me.)
God bless you.

I am preparing to move many miles away after retirement next month. I have been giving away my professional clothes and enjoy watching the faces of those who are taking them. I have remembered some of the compliments people have given me when I wore them and if size-appropriate ..giving them to that person(s) who complimented me when I wore the particular item I offer to them. It is such a wonderful feeling when I see their faces of disbelief when I offer it to them. Surrendering is a wonderful thing…so liberating. Thanks be to God!

I can relate to Louise…I retired from my role as chaplain/pastoral counselor, LCPC in 2009. Still feeling as though I have lost a very significant identity, but knew it was time. Many various and sundry types of angels had wandered into my office over the years from my clients. As a parting gift I gave each client an angel of their choosing to remember the angst, laughter, tears, hope that had been shared in this sacred space as they moved toward wholeness.

The only gift I could give that I think God might value is myself. ‘Take my life and let it be consecrated , Lord, to Thee.’
For many years, I treasured all the things that my husband and I had shared. Gradually, God has weakened that sort of tie. As F R Havergal wrote in that hymn, all that I am, all that I have, all that I do… That’s all I have to give back to the Lord.

I have a habit of giving away my favorite books, the ones that have nurtured me, challenged me, healed me, helped me to grow. One book in particular I have given way so many times, but always buy it again. I just finished re-reading it, and found occasion just this week to give it to a young mom/cancer survivor who will find great comfort in it’s pages, I’m sure. God bless the printing press! And the many authors who have answered the call to share their struggles, discoveries, ideas, and wisdom in print!!

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